Players to watch

The Senegalese forward has shown no signs of the second season slump that occurred last year, maintaining his impressive form with his new club; the 27-year-old’s acrobatic strike against Southampton was his first league goal for Chelsea, and his third in four games for the Blues. Ba’s link-play has been unexpectedly excellent, providing a bullish, physical presence and dovetailing well with Chelsea’s Three Amigos. Ba has already scored against Arsenal this season, striking twice for Newcastle at the Emirates.

The English winger-cum-striker didn’t start against Chelsea when the sides met earlier this season, but has since become the fulcrum of Arsenal’s attack; Walcott has scored or assisted 35% of the Gunners league goals this year, and is the club’s top goalscorer in all competitions. Rafa Benitez’s side looked vulnerable on the break against Southampton, a weakness Walcott’s blistering pace and directness could exploit. However, the 23-year-old has hit a bump recently, failing to score or assist in his four appearances in 2013.

Editor's Prediction

Chelsea have struggled massively at Stamford Bridge since the appointment of Rafa Benitez, and Arsenal will travel to west London with memories of the five goals they bagged on their last visit. The fixture hasn’t produced a draw since 2006, so with the home crowd quick to turn on their side and Arsenal in need of a win to keep them in the hunt for Champions League qualification, a fired-up Gunners could nick all three points.